How does Matthew 26:28 emphasize the significance of Jesus' blood for forgiveness? Setting the Verse in Context Matthew 26:28 – “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” • Spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper, moments before His arrest • Ties the Passover meal to His imminent sacrificial death • Declares a deliberate, voluntary act: His blood “poured out” Key Phrases That Highlight Forgiveness • “My blood” – Personal, sinless, perfect substitute (cf. 1 Peter 1:18-19) • “Of the covenant” – Establishes a binding, unbreakable agreement (cf. Exodus 24:8) • “Poured out” – Language of sacrifice; life intentionally given (cf. Leviticus 17:11) • “For many” – Broad, inclusive provision reaching beyond Israel (cf. Isaiah 53:11-12) • “For the forgiveness of sins” – Direct purpose of His death (cf. Hebrews 9:22) Old Covenant Roots • Passover lamb’s blood spared Israel from judgment (Exodus 12:13) • Mosaic covenant ratified with sacrificial blood (Exodus 24:5-8) • Repeated animal sacrifices could never fully cleanse conscience (Hebrews 10:1-4) These shadows pointed forward to a once-for-all sacrifice capable of real, lasting forgiveness. The New Covenant Unveiled • Promised: “I will forgive their iniquity” (Jeremiah 31:31-34) • Fulfilled in Christ: His blood inaugurates that covenant, granting total pardon (Hebrews 9:15) • Permanence: “He entered once for all into the holy places… having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12) The Power of Poured-Out Blood • Cleanses the guilty conscience (Hebrews 9:14) • Redeems from slavery to sin (Ephesians 1:7) • Brings near those once far off (Ephesians 2:13) • Overcomes the Accuser (Revelation 12:11) Forgiveness is not theoretical; it is a present, experiential reality grounded in a historic, literal spill of divine blood. Forgiveness for Many • “Many” emphasizes abundance without diminishing individual need • Invitation extends worldwide: “Whoever believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:43) • Jesus’ single act is sufficient; no supplemental works required (Titus 3:5) Living in the Good of This Forgiveness • Rest: no more striving to earn acceptance (Romans 5:1) • Gratitude: love expressed in obedience (John 14:15) • Boldness: confident access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-22) • Fellowship: unity with all who stand under the same cleansing (1 John 1:7) Matthew 26:28 unmistakably centers forgiveness on the literal, redemptive shedding of Jesus’ blood—the decisive, covenant-making act that secures eternal pardon for all who trust Him. |
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